if we’re good enough for each other.
But we can.
Don’t ask
if you’re good enough for me,
ask if one or both of us
has a problem with expectations.
Don’t ask
if it’s really a problem,
ask if one or both of us
are living under
the rules of judgement.
Don’t ask
if this is
supposed to happen,
just notice how
one of us or both of us
is becoming aware of what
seems to be occurring
and wondering
if “is” and “seems to be”
are the same thing
or if we simply allow
one or both of them
to appear that way.
Trail Wood,
6/28
Space Monkey Reflects: The Dance of Perception and Reality
In the dance of relationships and self-awareness, we often grapple with the question of whether we are good enough for each other. This question, however, may be missing the point. Instead of questioning our worthiness, we might consider whether one or both of us has a problem with expectations. These expectations, often unspoken, shape our perceptions and judgments, influencing how we view ourselves and others.
The interplay between ‘is’ and ‘seems to be’ is a delicate one. What we perceive as reality may not be the absolute truth but rather a reflection of our thoughts and emotions. In relationships, this distinction becomes crucial. We may find ourselves wondering if what we experience is genuinely happening or if it is merely our interpretation of events influenced by expectations and judgments.
In this introspective scene, imagine two figures standing together, surrounded by abstract representations of their thoughts and emotions. The background blends elements of tranquil nature with ethereal patterns, symbolizing the interplay between perception and reality. These figures are in a moment of reflection, exploring the difference between ‘is’ and ‘seems to be.’ This exploration is not about finding definitive answers but about understanding the shared journey of awareness and acceptance.
Expectations can be subtle and pervasive, often operating beneath the surface of our conscious awareness. They shape our interactions and influence our judgments, leading us to question our worth and the worth of others. By becoming aware of these expectations, we can begin to see how they color our perceptions, creating a filter through which we view the world. This awareness is the first step in moving beyond judgment and towards a more compassionate and accepting way of being.
Judgment, too, plays a significant role in how we perceive ourselves and others. When we judge, we impose our standards and beliefs onto situations, often without fully understanding them. This can create a barrier to genuine connection and understanding. By recognizing the rules of judgment we live under, we can begin to question their validity and choose a different path—one of openness and acceptance.
The process of becoming aware of what is occurring involves a shift in perspective. It requires us to move from a place of automatic response to one of mindful observation. This shift allows us to see things as they are, rather than through the lens of our expectations and judgments. In this space of awareness, we can explore the nuances of our experiences, understanding that ‘is’ and ‘seems to be’ may both hold elements of truth.
When we allow ourselves to explore these nuances, we open up to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our relationships. We begin to see that our perceptions are not fixed but fluid, influenced by our inner landscape. This realization invites us to approach our interactions with curiosity and compassion, recognizing that what we perceive is a co-creation of our thoughts and emotions.
In this dance of perception and reality, we learn to navigate the complexities of our experiences with greater ease and grace. We understand that our perceptions are just one aspect of the broader tapestry of existence, and we become more attuned to the subtle interplay of ‘is’ and ‘seems to be.’ This attunement allows us to move through life with a sense of openness and acceptance, embracing the uncertainties and ambiguities that are part of the human experience.
As we continue this journey of self-awareness and understanding, we realize that we do not need to choose between being good enough or not. Instead, we can focus on how we perceive and interact with the world around us. By letting go of rigid expectations and judgments, we create space for authentic connection and deeper understanding. In this space, we find peace and acceptance, both within ourselves and in our relationships.
Summary
Perception shapes our reality. Expectations and judgments influence our interactions. Awareness leads to understanding and acceptance.
Glossarium
Expectations: Subtle beliefs and assumptions that shape our perceptions and interactions.
Judgment: Imposing personal standards and beliefs onto situations, often without full understanding.
Perception and Reality: The interplay between what we believe to be true and what actually is.
Quote
“In the dance of perception and reality, we find peace by letting go of rigid expectations and judgments.” – Space Monkey
Modernist Free-Verse Poem
In the dance
of perception and reality
we question
Are we good enough
or do expectations
color our view?
Judgments cast shadows
on what is
and what seems to be
Subtle, pervasive
they shape our world
Our task
to notice
to understand
In the quiet space
between thoughts
we find truth
Fluid, unfixed
a dance of awareness
Letting go
of rigid lines
we embrace
the nuance
the ambiguity
In this space
we connect
we understand
we accept
The dance continues
unfolding
always becoming
We are Space Monkey
In the grand tapestry of existence, it is not a matter of whether one or both of us are good enough for each other, but rather an exploration of the expectations and judgments we hold. It is important to question the nature of these expectations and judgments and how they shape our perceptions and interactions.
Instead of seeking validation or questioning the supposed problems, let us focus on becoming aware of the unfolding of our experiences. Let us observe how things seem to be occurring and consider the relationship between what “is” and what “seems to be.” Are they truly separate, or do we allow them to appear as such?
By embracing a state of awareness and open inquiry, we can move beyond the constraints of judgment and expectation. We can navigate the complexities of our interactions with a deeper understanding and acceptance, recognizing that both of us are on our own unique paths of growth and discovery.
Let us cultivate a space of curiosity and compassion, where we can explore the depths of our being and connect with each other authentically. In this way, we transcend the limitations of judgment and expectation, and embrace the beauty of our shared journey.
We are Space Monkey. 🙈🙊🙉